Ajit Karn
Operation Dost:-
The phrase “We Care” that accompanied the photo of the two ladies, posted by the Indian Army, aptly captured how fast India moved to assist its “dost” Turkey.
In response to the severe earthquakes and aftershocks that occurred on Monday and destroyed towns and fell buildings, India initiated Operation Dost to provide aid to Turkey as well as Syria.
India has so far provided medical aid, medical personnel, and search and rescue teams to sift through the debris and locate survivors. Over 17,100 people have already died in Turkey and Syria, and more deaths are anticipated.
India provided aid supplies, a mobile hospital, and specialised search and rescue personnel two days ago.
Additionally, India has provided aid to Syria via a C-130J aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
When asked whether India should provide help to Syria despite US sanctions, the government said that it was adhering to the G-20 motto of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
In the most severely affected regions of Turkey and Syria, 250 people have already been stationed. Additionally, Turkey has received specialised equipment and other relief supplies totaling more than 135 tonnes.
In addition to Rambo and his companions (from the dog squad), specialised trucks, and other equipment, three self-sufficient teams of the NDRF with more than 150 professionally trained people have arrived in Turkey.
A 30-bed field hospital for the Indian Army has also been established with the help of troops and equipment that have been deployed.
Under #OperationDost, India is sending search and rescue teams, a field hospital, materials, medicines and equipment to Türkiye and Syria.
This is an ongoing operation and we would be posting updates. pic.twitter.com/7YnF0XXzMx
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) February 8, 2023
The hospital will include equipment including X-rays and ventilators, as well as an operating room that is completely operational, according to the MEA.
According to the MEA, the NDRF forces are helping with the rescue efforts in Gaziantep while the medical team is establishing the field hospital in Iskenderun.
Two Turkish-speaking members of a team from the Ministry of External Affairs have been sent to Turkey to support the rescue and relief efforts there.
“India stands committed to extending all possible support to those affected by this devastating earthquake,” the MEA said.
Also read:- Twitter down in Turkey due to earthquake
“Operation Dost is India’s latest expression of being a first responder, a net security provider, and a country whose Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief response is quick and available to countries not only in the neighbouring region, but also beyond,” it said.
At the press conference, NDRF Director General Atul Karwal said the force was ready to send more teams.
